Polaris Partners, established in 1996 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, is a venture capital firm focusing on healthcare, life sciences, and biotechnology sectors. The firm invests across various stages, from early-stage companies to growth equity, partnering with repeat entrepreneurs and innovators. Polaris' healthcare portfolio spans digital health, consumer-centric businesses, patient-provider solutions, data science, and analytics, while its life sciences and biotechnology investments center around molecules, platforms, therapeutics, and genomics. With offices in Boston and San Francisco, Polaris has a 20-year history of supporting companies that improve people's lives and work.
Leyden Labs is a biotechnology company focused on developing intranasal products aimed at protecting individuals from respiratory viruses. By targeting commonalities among various viral families, Leyden Labs seeks to provide broad-spectrum protection against multiple strains of viruses, including those in the influenza and coronavirus families. Unlike traditional vaccines that typically address specific variants, Leyden Labs' innovative approach allows for simultaneous protection against a range of viruses, thereby empowering individuals to safeguard their health and prevent the transmission of diseases. The company's team comprises experienced biotechnology professionals and new talent, all committed to advancing solutions that alleviate the impact of respiratory infections on global health.
Sunbird Bio
Venture Round in 2024
Sunbird Bio is a diagnostics platform developer focused on advancing molecular diagnostics to deliver faster and more accurate results. Founded by Huilin Shao, the company specializes in detecting a wide array of diseases, including infectious diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer. By enabling early diagnosis, Sunbird Bio aims to enhance healthcare outcomes and support physicians in making informed decisions. The platform is designed to improve clarity and accessibility in diagnostic testing, thereby contributing to better patient care.
Lyndra Therapeutics
Series E in 2023
Lyndra Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company that specializes in the development of ultra-long-acting oral medicines. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Watertown, Massachusetts, the company focuses on creating orally administered dosage forms that can deliver a sustained release of medications for periods ranging from a week to a month while remaining in the stomach. Lyndra's therapeutic initiatives target a variety of conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, psychiatric issues, opioid use disorders, immunology, HIV, malaria vector control, and oral contraceptives. By enhancing medication adherence and improving health outcomes, Lyndra Therapeutics aims to contribute to lower healthcare costs and better patient care.
Seismic Therapeutic
Series B in 2023
Seismic Therapeutic is a biotechnology company focused on accelerating immunology drug development through the integration of machine learning in the biologics discovery process. Its IMPACT™ platform addresses key challenges in biologics discovery by combining structural biology, protein engineering, and translational immunology. This innovative approach aims to create optimized therapies more efficiently, ultimately benefiting patients with autoimmune diseases and disorders linked to adaptive immune system dysregulation. With a robust pipeline of biologics, Seismic Therapeutic is committed to enhancing the speed and efficacy of drug development in the field of immunology.
Engine Biosciences
Series A in 2023
Engine Biosciences, established in 2014 and headquartered in Singapore, specializes in drug discovery and cellular reprogramming. The company's core offering is a validated platform that combines artificial intelligence and genetic perturbation to uncover gene interactions and biological networks. This platform enables researchers and drug developers to create targeted therapies and apply precision medicine. Engine Biosciences caters to prominent American corporations and research institutions, accelerating and reducing the costs of R&D for new medical therapies.
Tisento Therapeutics
Series A in 2023
Tisento Therapeutics, based in Massachusetts, specializes in developing innovative medicines to address diseases with substantial unmet medical needs. Its primary focus is on treating Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathy with Lactic Acidosis and Stroke (MELAS), a severe mitochondrial disorder. The company's therapies aim to improve various aspects of the disease, including neuronal and mitochondrial function, cerebrovascular hemodynamics, and inflammatory processes, ultimately aiming to provide swift and effective treatment for patients.
Engine Biosciences
Series A in 2023
Engine Biosciences, established in 2014 and headquartered in Singapore, specializes in drug discovery and cellular reprogramming. The company's core offering is a validated platform that combines artificial intelligence and genetic perturbation to uncover gene interactions and biological networks. This platform enables researchers and drug developers to create targeted therapies and apply precision medicine. Engine Biosciences caters to prominent American corporations and research institutions, accelerating and reducing the costs of R&D for new medical therapies.
EpiBiologics
Series A in 2023
EpiBiologics focuses on developing antibody-based targeted therapies aimed at membrane and extracellular proteins that contribute to various diseases. The company utilizes its EpiTAC platform to create therapeutics that degrade these disease-driving proteins, addressing the underlying biology of disorders. By specializing in protein degradation, EpiBiologics enables researchers to manipulate cellular proteostasis, offering potential solutions for a wide range of medical conditions.
Lyndra Therapeutics
Series D in 2023
Lyndra Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company that specializes in the development of ultra-long-acting oral medicines. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Watertown, Massachusetts, the company focuses on creating orally administered dosage forms that can deliver a sustained release of medications for periods ranging from a week to a month while remaining in the stomach. Lyndra's therapeutic initiatives target a variety of conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, psychiatric issues, opioid use disorders, immunology, HIV, malaria vector control, and oral contraceptives. By enhancing medication adherence and improving health outcomes, Lyndra Therapeutics aims to contribute to lower healthcare costs and better patient care.
Larkspur Biosciences
Series A in 2023
Larkspur Biosciences is a biotechnology company dedicated to developing precision immunotherapies aimed at improving cancer treatment outcomes. The company focuses on addressing how tumors manipulate the immune system, creating therapies tailored for specific molecularly defined patient groups. By targeting the critical interactions between tumors and the immune system, Larkspur's approach seeks to enhance patients' immune responses, particularly in colorectal cancer and other malignancies. This strategic focus aims to overcome existing challenges that allow tumors to evade immune detection and attack, thereby advancing the efficacy of cancer therapies.
EpiBiologics
Series A in 2023
EpiBiologics focuses on developing antibody-based targeted therapies aimed at membrane and extracellular proteins that contribute to various diseases. The company utilizes its EpiTAC platform to create therapeutics that degrade these disease-driving proteins, addressing the underlying biology of disorders. By specializing in protein degradation, EpiBiologics enables researchers to manipulate cellular proteostasis, offering potential solutions for a wide range of medical conditions.
August Bioservices
Series B in 2022
August Bioservices, LLC is a contract development and manufacturing organization based in Nashville, Tennessee, with an additional office in Celina, Tennessee. The company specializes in providing a wide range of services to the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, including drug discovery, pharmaceutical development, and clinical manufacturing. Its research and discovery capabilities encompass target validation, functional characterization, assay development, protein engineering, and both in vitro and in vivo services. In addition, August offers formulation development, process design, optimization, and analytical method development as part of its pharmaceutical development services. The clinical manufacturing services provided include cGMP non-sterile and bulk manufacturing, aseptic fill and finish, and quality control, among others. Furthermore, August Bioservices offers specialized testing services such as pregnancy testing and testing for various viral diseases. Established in 2017 and formerly known as PMI BioPharma Solutions, the company rebranded in July 2020 to reflect its evolving service offerings.
Jnana Therapeutics
Series C in 2022
Jnana Therapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Boston, Massachusetts, that focuses on drug discovery through its innovative platform targeting solute carrier (SLC) transporters. Established in 2016, the company aims to improve patient outcomes by developing small molecule therapies for various diseases, including those related to immunometabolism, lysosomal function, and mucosal defense. By utilizing advanced chemoproteomics techniques, Jnana accelerates the identification of therapeutic targets, addressing significant unmet medical needs in areas such as immuno-oncology, inflammatory disorders, and neurological diseases. The company's approach seeks to enhance drug discovery efficiency by comprehensively targeting the vast family of membrane proteins associated with SLC transporters.
CAMP4 Therapeutics
Series B in 2022
CAMP4 Therapeutics Corporation, based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, specializes in bioinformatics and gene regulation circuitry. Founded in 2015, the company has developed a 4-D gene circuitry platform that translates the activation of the human genome's 24,000 genes into a set of combinatorial rules based on existing signaling pathways. This innovative approach allows CAMP4 to control gene expression effectively, addressing the root causes of diseases. By leveraging this gene circuitry code, the company aims to expedite the drug development process, significantly reducing both time and risk associated with bringing new treatments to patients.
Kallyope
Series D in 2022
Kallyope Inc. is a biotechnology company based in New York City that focuses on the gut-brain axis to develop innovative therapeutics and consumer products aimed at enhancing human health. Founded in 2014, Kallyope employs a multidisciplinary approach, integrating technologies such as sequencing, computational biology, neural imaging, and human genetics to deepen the understanding of gut-brain biology. This comprehensive understanding enables the company to create effective and well-tolerated oral medications targeting various health issues, including diabetes, obesity, gut disorders, inflammatory diseases, migraines, and allergies. With a team of experienced scientists and a strong foundation in drug discovery, Kallyope aims to address significant unmet medical needs through its research and development efforts.
Seismic Therapeutic
Series A in 2022
Seismic Therapeutic is a biotechnology company focused on accelerating immunology drug development through the integration of machine learning in the biologics discovery process. Its IMPACT™ platform addresses key challenges in biologics discovery by combining structural biology, protein engineering, and translational immunology. This innovative approach aims to create optimized therapies more efficiently, ultimately benefiting patients with autoimmune diseases and disorders linked to adaptive immune system dysregulation. With a robust pipeline of biologics, Seismic Therapeutic is committed to enhancing the speed and efficacy of drug development in the field of immunology.
Dewpoint Therapeutics
Series C in 2022
Dewpoint Therapeutics is a Boston-based biotech company focused on the research and development of treatments targeting biomolecular condensates to address various diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and immunological conditions. Founded in 2018, the company employs an innovative drug platform that utilizes machine-learning-based image analysis for visualizing condensates. This technology supports an engine of engineered cell lines designed to track and mitigate harmful protein sequestration. By leveraging its proprietary platform, Dewpoint seeks to facilitate drug discovery across a wide range of medical indications and collaborates with leading academic and pharmaceutical partners to enhance the accessibility of new therapies for unmet healthcare needs.
76Bio
Venture Round in 2022
76Bio is a biotechnology company based in New York that focuses on developing innovative therapies for patients with life-threatening diseases. Founded in 2020, the company specializes in targeted protein degraders, a class of therapeutics designed to selectively degrade unneeded proteins in the body. By leveraging advanced technology, 76Bio aims to create transformational treatments that address critical medical needs, offering hope for improved outcomes in patients suffering from serious health conditions.
Ankyra
Series B in 2021
Ankyra is a biotechnology company focused on developing anchored immunotherapy for cancer treatment. The company addresses the limitations of traditional cytokine therapies, which are often restricted due to widespread immune activation and associated toxicity. Ankyra's innovative approach involves the use of its Anchored Immunotherapy Platform to create ANK-101, a stable complex of a modified IL-12 cytokine and aluminum hydroxide, an FDA-approved adjuvant. This combination allows for targeted intratumoral delivery, enhancing the localized retention and activity of IL-12 while reducing systemic side effects. By optimizing the therapeutic potential of anchored immunotherapy, Ankyra aims to improve treatment outcomes for cancer patients, offering a safer and more effective alternative to conventional therapies.
Cardurion Pharmaceuticals
Venture Round in 2021
Cardurion Pharmaceuticals, LLC is a biotechnology company based in Boston, Massachusetts, established in 2017. The company specializes in developing innovative therapeutics aimed at treating heart failure and other cardiovascular diseases. Cardurion is advancing clinical programs that focus on inhibiting PDE9 and CaMKII, utilizing its knowledge of cardiovascular signaling pathways to meet significant patient needs in this area.
Jnana Therapeutics
Series B in 2021
Jnana Therapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Boston, Massachusetts, that focuses on drug discovery through its innovative platform targeting solute carrier (SLC) transporters. Established in 2016, the company aims to improve patient outcomes by developing small molecule therapies for various diseases, including those related to immunometabolism, lysosomal function, and mucosal defense. By utilizing advanced chemoproteomics techniques, Jnana accelerates the identification of therapeutic targets, addressing significant unmet medical needs in areas such as immuno-oncology, inflammatory disorders, and neurological diseases. The company's approach seeks to enhance drug discovery efficiency by comprehensively targeting the vast family of membrane proteins associated with SLC transporters.
Muna Therapeutics
Series A in 2021
Muna Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing therapies aimed at slowing or halting the progression of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, Frontotemporal Dementia, and Multiple Sclerosis. The company is dedicated to identifying new medicines that preserve cognitive function and enhance resilience against these debilitating conditions, thereby providing individuals affected by neurodegenerative diseases with access to effective treatment options. Through its innovative approach, Muna Therapeutics strives to improve the quality of life for those suffering from these challenging disorders.
CAMP4 Therapeutics
Series A in 2021
CAMP4 Therapeutics Corporation, based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, specializes in bioinformatics and gene regulation circuitry. Founded in 2015, the company has developed a 4-D gene circuitry platform that translates the activation of the human genome's 24,000 genes into a set of combinatorial rules based on existing signaling pathways. This innovative approach allows CAMP4 to control gene expression effectively, addressing the root causes of diseases. By leveraging this gene circuitry code, the company aims to expedite the drug development process, significantly reducing both time and risk associated with bringing new treatments to patients.
Kojin Therapeutics
Series A in 2021
Kojin Therapeutics, founded by Stuart Schreiber, Benjamin Cravatt, Stephanie Dougan, and Vasanthi Viswanathan, focuses on advancing a drug discovery platform that links complex cell states to established biochemical processes, specifically ferroptosis, which involves iron-dependent cell death. This innovative approach enables the development of targeted therapies for a wide range of challenging diseases that are often difficult to treat. The company's biology platform aims to identify disease-specific targets, ensuring that patients receive effective treatments tailored to their specific conditions. Kojin Therapeutics is supported by a diverse group of investors, including Polaris Partners, Newpath Partners, and AbbVie, among others.
Cyclerion Therapeutics
Post in 2021
Cyclerion Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing treatments for serious and orphan diseases. The company leverages soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) pharmacology to create next-generation sGC stimulators. Its pipeline includes Olinciguat, an orally administered vascular sGC stimulator in Phase II studies for sickle cell disease; Praliciguat, another oral sGC stimulator in Phase II trials for diabetic nephropathy and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction; and IW-6463, a CNS-penetrant sGC stimulator in Phase I trials for neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, Cyclerion is exploring liver-targeted and lung-targeted sGC stimulators. The company was incorporated in 2018.
August Bioservices
Series A in 2021
August Bioservices, LLC is a contract development and manufacturing organization based in Nashville, Tennessee, with an additional office in Celina, Tennessee. The company specializes in providing a wide range of services to the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, including drug discovery, pharmaceutical development, and clinical manufacturing. Its research and discovery capabilities encompass target validation, functional characterization, assay development, protein engineering, and both in vitro and in vivo services. In addition, August offers formulation development, process design, optimization, and analytical method development as part of its pharmaceutical development services. The clinical manufacturing services provided include cGMP non-sterile and bulk manufacturing, aseptic fill and finish, and quality control, among others. Furthermore, August Bioservices offers specialized testing services such as pregnancy testing and testing for various viral diseases. Established in 2017 and formerly known as PMI BioPharma Solutions, the company rebranded in July 2020 to reflect its evolving service offerings.
Engine Biosciences
Series A in 2021
Engine Biosciences, established in 2014 and headquartered in Singapore, specializes in drug discovery and cellular reprogramming. The company's core offering is a validated platform that combines artificial intelligence and genetic perturbation to uncover gene interactions and biological networks. This platform enables researchers and drug developers to create targeted therapies and apply precision medicine. Engine Biosciences caters to prominent American corporations and research institutions, accelerating and reducing the costs of R&D for new medical therapies.
Hummingbird Bioscience
Series C in 2021
Hummingbird Bioscience is a biotechnology company specializing in the development of novel therapeutic antibodies for oncology and immuno-oncology indications. Utilizing systems biology approaches and proprietary computational platforms, they discover and engineer innovative biotherapeutics targeting challenging disease pathways with strong biological validation. Their pipeline includes lead assets HMBD-001 (anti-HER3) and HMBD-002 (anti-VISTA), both in cancer treatment. The company has formed strategic partnerships with Cancer Research UK and Amgen, and received a product development grant from the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas.
Invivyd
Series C in 2021
Invivyd is a biopharmaceutical company committed to developing antibody-based therapies aimed at providing protection against serious viral infectious diseases. The company focuses on creating solutions that go beyond naturally occurring immunity, particularly in response to viral threats with pandemic potential, starting with SARS-CoV-2. Its product pipeline includes ADG20, which is designed for the treatment and prevention of COVID-19, and VYD222, a monoclonal antibody engineered for enhanced potency and broad coverage. By prioritizing rapid and enduring therapeutic options, Invivyd aims to safeguard vulnerable populations from the severe impacts of circulating viral infections.
Tectonic Therapeutic
Series A in 2021
Tectonic Therapeutic is a biotechnology company dedicated to the discovery and development of innovative drugs that target G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). With a focus on therapeutic proteins and antibodies, Tectonic aims to address the complexities of GPCR-targeted drug discovery through its proprietary technology platform, GEODe. The company is committed to unlocking the therapeutic potential of challenging receptors, striving to create biologic medicines that can effectively modify disease progression. Founded by experts in biochemistry and molecular pharmacology, Tectonic combines a strong scientific foundation with a history of entrepreneurial success to advance its mission in the biopharmaceutical landscape.
Amunix
Series B in 2021
Amunix Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering and developing innovative protein and peptide therapeutics aimed at treating cancer. The company employs several proprietary platforms, including XTEN for extending drug half-life, XPAT for analyzing protease activity in the tumor microenvironment, and ProTIA, which focuses on immuno-oncology therapeutics. Amunix's product pipeline includes prodrugs and transformative T-cell engagers designed to activate the immune system against solid tumors. The company collaborates with various academic, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical sectors, maintaining strategic partnerships with organizations such as Janssen and Biogen-Idec. Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Mountain View, California, Amunix strives to deliver breakthroughs that can harness the immune system to combat cancer more effectively.
IconOVir Bio
Series A in 2021
IconOVir Bio is a preclinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing innovative oncolytic virus therapies for cancer treatment. The company's proprietary platform aims to overcome the limitations associated with first- and second-generation oncolytic viruses, thereby enhancing the therapeutic options available to healthcare professionals. By prioritizing personalized therapy, IconOVir Bio seeks to improve treatment outcomes for cancer patients, positioning itself at the forefront of advancements in oncology.
Tectonic Therapeutic
Seed Round in 2021
Tectonic Therapeutic is a biotechnology company dedicated to the discovery and development of innovative drugs that target G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). With a focus on therapeutic proteins and antibodies, Tectonic aims to address the complexities of GPCR-targeted drug discovery through its proprietary technology platform, GEODe. The company is committed to unlocking the therapeutic potential of challenging receptors, striving to create biologic medicines that can effectively modify disease progression. Founded by experts in biochemistry and molecular pharmacology, Tectonic combines a strong scientific foundation with a history of entrepreneurial success to advance its mission in the biopharmaceutical landscape.
Invivyd
Series B in 2020
Invivyd is a biopharmaceutical company committed to developing antibody-based therapies aimed at providing protection against serious viral infectious diseases. The company focuses on creating solutions that go beyond naturally occurring immunity, particularly in response to viral threats with pandemic potential, starting with SARS-CoV-2. Its product pipeline includes ADG20, which is designed for the treatment and prevention of COVID-19, and VYD222, a monoclonal antibody engineered for enhanced potency and broad coverage. By prioritizing rapid and enduring therapeutic options, Invivyd aims to safeguard vulnerable populations from the severe impacts of circulating viral infections.
Primmune Therapeutics
Series A in 2020
Primmune Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, focused on developing small molecule, orally administered toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) agonists for cancer immunotherapy. Founded in 2017, the company aims to stimulate innate immunity to enhance the effectiveness of adaptive cancer treatments, such as checkpoint inhibitors. Its TLR7 agonist is designed to activate the immune system by producing cytokines and chemokines that boost cellular responses and facilitate the activation of natural killer cells. This approach enables healthcare providers to target metastatic diseases more effectively and promotes B-cell proliferation and activation, ultimately improving overall response rates and treatment durability for patients.
Dewpoint Therapeutics
Series B in 2020
Dewpoint Therapeutics is a Boston-based biotech company focused on the research and development of treatments targeting biomolecular condensates to address various diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and immunological conditions. Founded in 2018, the company employs an innovative drug platform that utilizes machine-learning-based image analysis for visualizing condensates. This technology supports an engine of engineered cell lines designed to track and mitigate harmful protein sequestration. By leveraging its proprietary platform, Dewpoint seeks to facilitate drug discovery across a wide range of medical indications and collaborates with leading academic and pharmaceutical partners to enhance the accessibility of new therapies for unmet healthcare needs.
Kronos Bio
Private Equity Round in 2020
Kronos Bio, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering and developing innovative cancer therapeutics. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in San Mateo, California, the company focuses on targeting dysregulated transcription factors and oncogenic signaling pathways. Its lead candidate, entospletinib, is a selective inhibitor of spleen tyrosine kinase aimed at treating acute myeloid leukemia. Additionally, Kronos Bio is developing KB-0742, an orally bioavailable inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinase 9, intended for MYC-amplified solid tumors. By leveraging advanced technologies such as high-throughput small-molecule microarrays and targeted protein degradation, Kronos Bio aims to identify effective compounds that can modulate historically undruggable cancer targets, ultimately striving to improve patient outcomes through precision medicine.
Keeps
Series B in 2020
2 out of 3 men will start to lose their hair by the age of 35 - but the earlier you take action, the more hair you keep. Keeps is a full-service healthcare company focused exclusively on helping men keep their hair. From expert diagnosis to affordable treatment, patient support to education, Keeps provides a regimen specific to each customer's condition through a seamless digital experience, allowing men to manage hair loss from start to finish. Keeps’ licensed physicians review each customer's information in order to identify and prescribe a unique treatment plan of FDA-approved products, and we sell them at half the price customers would pay at their local pharmacy. With Keeps, customers receive exactly what they need, and nothing they don’t. Keeps is the first brand from Thirty Madison, which is rebuilding the healthcare experience for the modern consumer.
Invivyd
Series A in 2020
Invivyd is a biopharmaceutical company committed to developing antibody-based therapies aimed at providing protection against serious viral infectious diseases. The company focuses on creating solutions that go beyond naturally occurring immunity, particularly in response to viral threats with pandemic potential, starting with SARS-CoV-2. Its product pipeline includes ADG20, which is designed for the treatment and prevention of COVID-19, and VYD222, a monoclonal antibody engineered for enhanced potency and broad coverage. By prioritizing rapid and enduring therapeutic options, Invivyd aims to safeguard vulnerable populations from the severe impacts of circulating viral infections.
Ankyra
Seed Round in 2020
Ankyra is a biotechnology company focused on developing anchored immunotherapy for cancer treatment. The company addresses the limitations of traditional cytokine therapies, which are often restricted due to widespread immune activation and associated toxicity. Ankyra's innovative approach involves the use of its Anchored Immunotherapy Platform to create ANK-101, a stable complex of a modified IL-12 cytokine and aluminum hydroxide, an FDA-approved adjuvant. This combination allows for targeted intratumoral delivery, enhancing the localized retention and activity of IL-12 while reducing systemic side effects. By optimizing the therapeutic potential of anchored immunotherapy, Ankyra aims to improve treatment outcomes for cancer patients, offering a safer and more effective alternative to conventional therapies.
Pandion Therapeutics
Series B in 2020
Pandion Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative therapeutics for patients with autoimmune diseases and inflammatory conditions. The company's lead product candidate, PT101, is an engineered variant of interleukin-2 currently undergoing Phase 1a clinical trials for moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis and systemic lupus erythematosus. In addition to PT101, Pandion's pipeline includes PT627, a systemic PD-1 agonist in preclinical studies, and PT001 and PT002, which are bifunctional molecules designed for tissue-selective immunomodulation in the gastrointestinal tract. These molecules utilize a unique approach to achieve localized treatment, potentially enhancing efficacy and safety compared to traditional therapies. Pandion also collaborates with Astellas Pharma to develop locally acting immunomodulators targeting autoimmune diseases of the pancreas. The company is headquartered in Watertown, Massachusetts.
Kallyope
Series C in 2020
Kallyope Inc. is a biotechnology company based in New York City that focuses on the gut-brain axis to develop innovative therapeutics and consumer products aimed at enhancing human health. Founded in 2014, Kallyope employs a multidisciplinary approach, integrating technologies such as sequencing, computational biology, neural imaging, and human genetics to deepen the understanding of gut-brain biology. This comprehensive understanding enables the company to create effective and well-tolerated oral medications targeting various health issues, including diabetes, obesity, gut disorders, inflammatory diseases, migraines, and allergies. With a team of experienced scientists and a strong foundation in drug discovery, Kallyope aims to address significant unmet medical needs through its research and development efforts.
Cardurion Pharmaceuticals
Private Equity Round in 2019
Cardurion Pharmaceuticals, LLC is a biotechnology company based in Boston, Massachusetts, established in 2017. The company specializes in developing innovative therapeutics aimed at treating heart failure and other cardiovascular diseases. Cardurion is advancing clinical programs that focus on inhibiting PDE9 and CaMKII, utilizing its knowledge of cardiovascular signaling pathways to meet significant patient needs in this area.
Faraday Pharmaceuticals
Series B in 2019
Faraday Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in Seattle, Washington, that focuses on developing innovative therapies to treat ischemia-reperfusion injury, particularly following ST elevation myocardial infarction. Founded in 2014, the company has in-licensed proprietary liquid formulations of reduced nonmetal gaseous elements, which were developed in the laboratory of Dr. Mark Roth at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center. Faraday's therapeutics aim to utilize specific reduced forms of elements to enhance patient outcomes, providing medical practitioners with effective treatment options for ischemia-reperfusion injury and other critical care conditions.
Kronos Bio
Series A in 2019
Kronos Bio, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering and developing innovative cancer therapeutics. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in San Mateo, California, the company focuses on targeting dysregulated transcription factors and oncogenic signaling pathways. Its lead candidate, entospletinib, is a selective inhibitor of spleen tyrosine kinase aimed at treating acute myeloid leukemia. Additionally, Kronos Bio is developing KB-0742, an orally bioavailable inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinase 9, intended for MYC-amplified solid tumors. By leveraging advanced technologies such as high-throughput small-molecule microarrays and targeted protein degradation, Kronos Bio aims to identify effective compounds that can modulate historically undruggable cancer targets, ultimately striving to improve patient outcomes through precision medicine.
Ajax Health
Series C in 2019
Ajax Health, established in 2017, is a venture capital firm headquartered in Menlo Park, California, with an additional office in New York City. The company specializes in investing in innovative medical device companies, digital health, healthcare services, and biotechnology across all stages of a company's lifecycle. Ajax Health seeks to accelerate medical innovation by providing capital and strategic capabilities to address major healthcare issues.
Blackthorn Therapeutics
Series B in 2019
Blackthorn Therapeutics, based in South San Francisco, California, is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing precision medicine for neurobehavioral disorders. Founded in 2013, the company utilizes a proprietary computational platform that integrates advances in computational and clinical neuroscience to better understand the relationship between brain function and behavior. By targeting dysfunctional brain circuits, Blackthorn aims to address longstanding challenges in drug discovery and development. The company’s approach involves identifying novel therapeutic targets, small molecule drug candidates, and biologically-based patient subgroups that are most likely to benefit from treatment, thereby enhancing the precision of therapeutic interventions in the central nervous system.
Ajax Health
Series C in 2019
Ajax Health, established in 2017, is a venture capital firm headquartered in Menlo Park, California, with an additional office in New York City. The company specializes in investing in innovative medical device companies, digital health, healthcare services, and biotechnology across all stages of a company's lifecycle. Ajax Health seeks to accelerate medical innovation by providing capital and strategic capabilities to address major healthcare issues.
Cyclerion Therapeutics
Post in 2019
Cyclerion Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing treatments for serious and orphan diseases. The company leverages soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) pharmacology to create next-generation sGC stimulators. Its pipeline includes Olinciguat, an orally administered vascular sGC stimulator in Phase II studies for sickle cell disease; Praliciguat, another oral sGC stimulator in Phase II trials for diabetic nephropathy and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction; and IW-6463, a CNS-penetrant sGC stimulator in Phase I trials for neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, Cyclerion is exploring liver-targeted and lung-targeted sGC stimulators. The company was incorporated in 2018.
Lyndra Therapeutics
Series B in 2019
Lyndra Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company that specializes in the development of ultra-long-acting oral medicines. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Watertown, Massachusetts, the company focuses on creating orally administered dosage forms that can deliver a sustained release of medications for periods ranging from a week to a month while remaining in the stomach. Lyndra's therapeutic initiatives target a variety of conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, psychiatric issues, opioid use disorders, immunology, HIV, malaria vector control, and oral contraceptives. By enhancing medication adherence and improving health outcomes, Lyndra Therapeutics aims to contribute to lower healthcare costs and better patient care.
Dewpoint Therapeutics
Series A in 2019
Dewpoint Therapeutics is a Boston-based biotech company focused on the research and development of treatments targeting biomolecular condensates to address various diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and immunological conditions. Founded in 2018, the company employs an innovative drug platform that utilizes machine-learning-based image analysis for visualizing condensates. This technology supports an engine of engineered cell lines designed to track and mitigate harmful protein sequestration. By leveraging its proprietary platform, Dewpoint seeks to facilitate drug discovery across a wide range of medical indications and collaborates with leading academic and pharmaceutical partners to enhance the accessibility of new therapies for unmet healthcare needs.
Genetic Foresight
Venture Round in 2019
Genetic Foresight’s mission is to prevent adverse drug reactions, increase therapeutic success rates, and minimize healthcare costs by enabling clinicians to make informed decisions. Founded in 2016, Genetic Foresight provides a genetic test that sequences targeted segments of patients' genomes as well as a comprehensive prescription decision platform that incorporates drug-genome, drug-drug, drug-disease, personal health, lifestyle, and medical and family histories to predict drug response. This allows the clinician to more safely and effectively prescribe medication based on the patient. The report is updated based on newly generated research, newly created drugs, and newly prescribed drugs, making it a lifetime test.
Kallyope
Series B in 2018
Kallyope Inc. is a biotechnology company based in New York City that focuses on the gut-brain axis to develop innovative therapeutics and consumer products aimed at enhancing human health. Founded in 2014, Kallyope employs a multidisciplinary approach, integrating technologies such as sequencing, computational biology, neural imaging, and human genetics to deepen the understanding of gut-brain biology. This comprehensive understanding enables the company to create effective and well-tolerated oral medications targeting various health issues, including diabetes, obesity, gut disorders, inflammatory diseases, migraines, and allergies. With a team of experienced scientists and a strong foundation in drug discovery, Kallyope aims to address significant unmet medical needs through its research and development efforts.
Morphic Therapeutic
Series B in 2018
Morphic Therapeutic is a biotechnology company focused on developing oral integrin therapies aimed at treating serious chronic diseases such as autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular conditions, metabolic diseases, fibrosis, and cancer. The company specializes in creating small molecule inhibitors that target various integrins. By leveraging insights into integrin biology, Morphic Therapeutic is building a pipeline of innovative therapeutics designed to address a range of immunological, fibrotic, neoplastic, and vascular diseases, thereby offering potential new treatment options for patients with significant unmet medical needs.
Alector
Series E in 2018
Alector, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel therapies for neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal dementia. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in South San Francisco, California, the company utilizes advanced antibody technology and insights from neuroimmunology and human genetics to create innovative treatments. Alector’s pipeline includes several candidates, such as AL001, which is undergoing phase II clinical trials for frontotemporal dementia, and AL101, currently in phase I trials for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Additionally, AL002 and AL003 are in phase 1b trials for Alzheimer’s disease. The company is actively engaged in research and development, with a total of ten programs at various stages. Alector has formed a strategic collaboration with Adimab, LLC to enhance its antibody research and development capabilities, aiming to efficiently generate and validate antibody drugs that target key disease-related mechanisms.
Gossamer Bio
Series B in 2018
Gossamer Bio is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in San Diego that specializes in the discovery, development, and commercialization of innovative therapeutic products targeting significant unmet medical needs. Founded by former executives from Receptos, the company focuses on areas such as immunology, inflammation, fibrosis, and oncology. Its pipeline includes several promising candidates: Seralutinib, aimed at addressing pulmonary arterial hypertension; GB004, for inflammatory bowel disease; GB1275, targeting various oncology indications; and GB001, designed for moderate-to-severe eosinophilic asthma. Gossamer Bio's strategy involves leveraging a rich in-licensing environment to enhance its therapeutic offerings, supported by a team recognized for their successful track record in drug development.
Ajax Health
Series B in 2018
Ajax Health, established in 2017, is a venture capital firm headquartered in Menlo Park, California, with an additional office in New York City. The company specializes in investing in innovative medical device companies, digital health, healthcare services, and biotechnology across all stages of a company's lifecycle. Ajax Health seeks to accelerate medical innovation by providing capital and strategic capabilities to address major healthcare issues.
Metacrine
Series C in 2018
Metacrine, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in San Diego, California, dedicated to developing innovative therapies for liver and gastrointestinal diseases. The company is advancing its lead programs, which target the farnesoid X receptor (FXR), a key drug target in these conditions. Currently, MET409 is undergoing a Phase Ib proof-of-concept clinical trial for patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, while MET642 is in a Phase 1 clinical trial for the same patient population. In addition to its FXR-focused programs, Metacrine is exploring a pipeline of novel drug candidates through its internal research and development capabilities. The company also collaborates with Novo Nordisk A/S to further research related to fibroblast growth factor 1. Metacrine was founded in 2014 and is committed to addressing unmet medical needs in liver and gastrointestinal health.
CAMP4 Therapeutics
Series A in 2018
CAMP4 Therapeutics Corporation, based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, specializes in bioinformatics and gene regulation circuitry. Founded in 2015, the company has developed a 4-D gene circuitry platform that translates the activation of the human genome's 24,000 genes into a set of combinatorial rules based on existing signaling pathways. This innovative approach allows CAMP4 to control gene expression effectively, addressing the root causes of diseases. By leveraging this gene circuitry code, the company aims to expedite the drug development process, significantly reducing both time and risk associated with bringing new treatments to patients.
Kallyope
Series B in 2018
Kallyope Inc. is a biotechnology company based in New York City that focuses on the gut-brain axis to develop innovative therapeutics and consumer products aimed at enhancing human health. Founded in 2014, Kallyope employs a multidisciplinary approach, integrating technologies such as sequencing, computational biology, neural imaging, and human genetics to deepen the understanding of gut-brain biology. This comprehensive understanding enables the company to create effective and well-tolerated oral medications targeting various health issues, including diabetes, obesity, gut disorders, inflammatory diseases, migraines, and allergies. With a team of experienced scientists and a strong foundation in drug discovery, Kallyope aims to address significant unmet medical needs through its research and development efforts.
Pandion Therapeutics
Series A in 2018
Pandion Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative therapeutics for patients with autoimmune diseases and inflammatory conditions. The company's lead product candidate, PT101, is an engineered variant of interleukin-2 currently undergoing Phase 1a clinical trials for moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis and systemic lupus erythematosus. In addition to PT101, Pandion's pipeline includes PT627, a systemic PD-1 agonist in preclinical studies, and PT001 and PT002, which are bifunctional molecules designed for tissue-selective immunomodulation in the gastrointestinal tract. These molecules utilize a unique approach to achieve localized treatment, potentially enhancing efficacy and safety compared to traditional therapies. Pandion also collaborates with Astellas Pharma to develop locally acting immunomodulators targeting autoimmune diseases of the pancreas. The company is headquartered in Watertown, Massachusetts.
Jnana Therapeutics
Series A in 2017
Jnana Therapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Boston, Massachusetts, that focuses on drug discovery through its innovative platform targeting solute carrier (SLC) transporters. Established in 2016, the company aims to improve patient outcomes by developing small molecule therapies for various diseases, including those related to immunometabolism, lysosomal function, and mucosal defense. By utilizing advanced chemoproteomics techniques, Jnana accelerates the identification of therapeutic targets, addressing significant unmet medical needs in areas such as immuno-oncology, inflammatory disorders, and neurological diseases. The company's approach seeks to enhance drug discovery efficiency by comprehensively targeting the vast family of membrane proteins associated with SLC transporters.
Metacrine
Series B in 2017
Metacrine, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in San Diego, California, dedicated to developing innovative therapies for liver and gastrointestinal diseases. The company is advancing its lead programs, which target the farnesoid X receptor (FXR), a key drug target in these conditions. Currently, MET409 is undergoing a Phase Ib proof-of-concept clinical trial for patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, while MET642 is in a Phase 1 clinical trial for the same patient population. In addition to its FXR-focused programs, Metacrine is exploring a pipeline of novel drug candidates through its internal research and development capabilities. The company also collaborates with Novo Nordisk A/S to further research related to fibroblast growth factor 1. Metacrine was founded in 2014 and is committed to addressing unmet medical needs in liver and gastrointestinal health.
Visterra
Series C in 2017
Visterra, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing precision antibody-based treatments for difficult-to-treat diseases, particularly infectious diseases. Utilizing its Hierotope platform, Visterra designs monoclonal antibodies such as VIS410, aimed at treating hospitalized patients with influenza A, and VIS513 for Dengue fever. The company is also advancing VIS705, an antibody-drug conjugate for Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections, and VIS649, which targets Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy (IgAN). Founded in 2007 and based in Waltham, Massachusetts, Visterra was previously known as Parasol Therapeutics, Inc. The company operates as a subsidiary of Otsuka America, Inc. and emphasizes innovative therapeutic solutions to address significant unmet medical needs.
Suono Bio
Seed Round in 2017
Suono Bio, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Medford, Massachusetts, focused on developing innovative therapeutic products utilizing its proprietary delivery technology. Founded in 2016, the company specializes in the ultra-rapid, localized delivery of small molecules, biologics, nucleic acids, and gene therapies directly to the gastrointestinal tract, eliminating the need for encapsulation. Suono Bio aims to transform the treatment of challenging diseases, particularly those involving inflammatory-mediated conditions, by enabling efficient and effective delivery of therapeutics across various tissues. This technology has the potential to enhance patient recovery from gastrointestinal diseases by ensuring that treatments reach their intended targets quickly and effectively.
Compass Therapeutics
Series A in 2017
Compass Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing innovative antibody therapeutics for the treatment of solid tumors and hematological malignancies. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company utilizes its proprietary StitchMabs and common light-chain platforms to discover and create multispecific antibody combinations. Its lead product candidate, CTX-471, is an agonistic monoclonal antibody targeting CD137, currently undergoing Phase 1 clinical trials in patients with prior PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitor treatment. Another significant candidate, CTX-009, is a bispecific antibody that inhibits DLL4-mediated Notch signaling and VEGF-A signaling, having completed a Phase 1 dose escalation study. Additionally, CTX-8371, a bispecific antibody targeting PD-1 and PD-L1, is in the IND-enabling stage. Through its innovative approaches, Compass Therapeutics aims to enhance immune engagement and improve therapeutic outcomes for cancer patients.
Avitide
Series E in 2017
Avitide, Inc. is a company that specializes in the discovery, manufacturing, and supply of molecule-specific affinity purification solutions tailored for the biopharmaceutical industry. Founded in 2012 and based in Lebanon, New Hampshire, Avitide focuses on enhancing the purification of therapeutic proteins through its innovative affinity separation technology. This technology helps clients streamline bioprocess development timelines, mitigate program risks, and lower manufacturing costs while ensuring scalability for commercial applications. The company develops customized solutions for a variety of life-saving therapeutics, including enzymes, multi-specific antibodies, gene therapies, and vaccines. By utilizing rapid development techniques for chromatography resins, Avitide aims to improve drug safety and establish bio-similarity in its offerings.
Arsanis
Series D in 2017
Arsanis, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Waltham, Massachusetts, specializing in monoclonal antibody (mAb) immunotherapies for serious infectious diseases. Founded in 2010, Arsanis develops mAbs targeting various bacterial and viral pathogens, including its lead program ASN100, which is focused on preventing Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia in high-risk, mechanically ventilated patients and is currently in Phase 2 clinical trials. The company's pipeline also includes ASN500, targeting respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), as well as preclinical candidates ASN300 for Klebsiella pneumoniae and ASN200 for Escherichia coli. Additionally, Arsanis operates research and preclinical development efforts in Vienna, Austria, through its subsidiary, Arsanis Biosciences GmbH. The company's advanced understanding of infection pathogenesis and mAb discovery techniques underpins its efforts to tackle significant health challenges posed by infectious diseases.
Lyndra Therapeutics
Series A in 2017
Lyndra Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company that specializes in the development of ultra-long-acting oral medicines. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Watertown, Massachusetts, the company focuses on creating orally administered dosage forms that can deliver a sustained release of medications for periods ranging from a week to a month while remaining in the stomach. Lyndra's therapeutic initiatives target a variety of conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, psychiatric issues, opioid use disorders, immunology, HIV, malaria vector control, and oral contraceptives. By enhancing medication adherence and improving health outcomes, Lyndra Therapeutics aims to contribute to lower healthcare costs and better patient care.
Morphic Therapeutic
Series A in 2016
Morphic Therapeutic is a biotechnology company focused on developing oral integrin therapies aimed at treating serious chronic diseases such as autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular conditions, metabolic diseases, fibrosis, and cancer. The company specializes in creating small molecule inhibitors that target various integrins. By leveraging insights into integrin biology, Morphic Therapeutic is building a pipeline of innovative therapeutics designed to address a range of immunological, fibrotic, neoplastic, and vascular diseases, thereby offering potential new treatment options for patients with significant unmet medical needs.
Visterra
Series C in 2016
Visterra, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing precision antibody-based treatments for difficult-to-treat diseases, particularly infectious diseases. Utilizing its Hierotope platform, Visterra designs monoclonal antibodies such as VIS410, aimed at treating hospitalized patients with influenza A, and VIS513 for Dengue fever. The company is also advancing VIS705, an antibody-drug conjugate for Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections, and VIS649, which targets Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy (IgAN). Founded in 2007 and based in Waltham, Massachusetts, Visterra was previously known as Parasol Therapeutics, Inc. The company operates as a subsidiary of Otsuka America, Inc. and emphasizes innovative therapeutic solutions to address significant unmet medical needs.
Kala Pharmaceuticals
Series C in 2016
Kala Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing and commercializing innovative therapies for eye diseases using its proprietary Mucus Penetrating Particles (MPP) technology. This technology enhances drug distribution and pharmacokinetics by coating mucosal surfaces with biocompatible, drug-loaded particles, allowing for improved local drug concentrations while minimizing systemic exposure. Kala's lead product candidate, KPI-121 0.25%, has completed two Phase III clinical trials aimed at providing temporary relief for dry eye disease. Additionally, INVELTYS has also completed two Phase III trials for managing inflammation and pain after ocular surgery. The company is advancing KPI-285, a receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, in preclinical studies targeting retinal diseases. Established in 2009 and headquartered in Watertown, Massachusetts, Kala Pharmaceuticals continues to explore diverse product opportunities while focusing on internal development and research collaborations to address significant clinical needs.
Syros Pharmaceuticals
Series C in 2016
Syros Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, that specializes in developing innovative treatments for cancer and monogenic diseases through gene control medicines. The company is advancing its lead product candidates, including SY-1425, a selective retinoic acid receptor alpha agonist currently in Phase II clinical trials for specific patient populations with acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome, and SY-5609, a cyclin-dependent kinase 7 inhibitor under investigation in a Phase I clinical trial for advanced solid tumors. Syros is also engaged in collaborative research, including a partnership with Incyte Corporation aimed at identifying therapeutic targets for myeloproliferative neoplasms and a licensing agreement with TMRC Co. Ltd. for the development of tamibarotene. With a focus on mapping gene regulatory circuits, Syros leverages its proprietary platform and expertise to address significant unmet medical needs in oncology. Founded in 2011, the company aims to establish new standards of care for patients with hematologic malignancies.
Alector
Series D in 2016
Alector, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel therapies for neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal dementia. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in South San Francisco, California, the company utilizes advanced antibody technology and insights from neuroimmunology and human genetics to create innovative treatments. Alector’s pipeline includes several candidates, such as AL001, which is undergoing phase II clinical trials for frontotemporal dementia, and AL101, currently in phase I trials for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Additionally, AL002 and AL003 are in phase 1b trials for Alzheimer’s disease. The company is actively engaged in research and development, with a total of ten programs at various stages. Alector has formed a strategic collaboration with Adimab, LLC to enhance its antibody research and development capabilities, aiming to efficiently generate and validate antibody drugs that target key disease-related mechanisms.
Morphic Therapeutic
Seed Round in 2016
Morphic Therapeutic is a biotechnology company focused on developing oral integrin therapies aimed at treating serious chronic diseases such as autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular conditions, metabolic diseases, fibrosis, and cancer. The company specializes in creating small molecule inhibitors that target various integrins. By leveraging insights into integrin biology, Morphic Therapeutic is building a pipeline of innovative therapeutics designed to address a range of immunological, fibrotic, neoplastic, and vascular diseases, thereby offering potential new treatment options for patients with significant unmet medical needs.
Navitor Pharmaceuticals
Series B in 2015
Navitor Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing small molecule drugs that target mTORC1, a key regulator of cellular metabolism and renewal, to treat age-related diseases. Utilizing a proprietary platform, Navitor's therapies can selectively inhibit or activate mTORC1, which plays a crucial role in cellular processes. One of its notable products, NV-5138, is an orally bioavailable small molecule designed to activate mTORC1, particularly addressing its suppression in the brain associated with depression. Additionally, the company's N-Valog program focuses on selective inhibition of mTORC1 for chronic kidney disease, with implications for other age-related conditions. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Navitor Pharmaceuticals aims to unlock the therapeutic potential of the mTOR pathway by modulating nutrient-sensing proteins, thereby addressing various metabolic, neurodegenerative, autoimmune, and musculoskeletal diseases.
Kallyope
Series A in 2015
Kallyope Inc. is a biotechnology company based in New York City that focuses on the gut-brain axis to develop innovative therapeutics and consumer products aimed at enhancing human health. Founded in 2014, Kallyope employs a multidisciplinary approach, integrating technologies such as sequencing, computational biology, neural imaging, and human genetics to deepen the understanding of gut-brain biology. This comprehensive understanding enables the company to create effective and well-tolerated oral medications targeting various health issues, including diabetes, obesity, gut disorders, inflammatory diseases, migraines, and allergies. With a team of experienced scientists and a strong foundation in drug discovery, Kallyope aims to address significant unmet medical needs through its research and development efforts.
Alector
Series C in 2015
Alector, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel therapies for neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal dementia. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in South San Francisco, California, the company utilizes advanced antibody technology and insights from neuroimmunology and human genetics to create innovative treatments. Alector’s pipeline includes several candidates, such as AL001, which is undergoing phase II clinical trials for frontotemporal dementia, and AL101, currently in phase I trials for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Additionally, AL002 and AL003 are in phase 1b trials for Alzheimer’s disease. The company is actively engaged in research and development, with a total of ten programs at various stages. Alector has formed a strategic collaboration with Adimab, LLC to enhance its antibody research and development capabilities, aiming to efficiently generate and validate antibody drugs that target key disease-related mechanisms.
Selecta Biosciences
Series E in 2015
Selecta Biosciences, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing nanoparticle immunomodulatory drugs for the treatment and prevention of human diseases. The company's proprietary platform utilizes advances in immunobiology and nanotechnology to create targeted immunomodulatory nanoparticles. Selecta's lead product, SEL-212, has successfully completed Phase II clinical trials for chronic refractory gout. Additionally, the company is advancing gene therapy candidates in preclinical development for rare metabolic disorders, including SEL-302 for methylmalonic acidemia and SEL-313 for ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Watertown, Massachusetts, Selecta Biosciences has established collaborations with various organizations, including Spark Therapeutics and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, to enhance its research and development capabilities.
Editas Medicine
Series B in 2015
Editas Medicine is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with an additional site in Boulder, Colorado. Founded in 2013, the company focuses on the discovery and development of genome editing therapeutics, primarily utilizing its proprietary CRISPR/Cas9 technology. This innovative platform enables precise molecular modifications at the genetic level, with the aim of treating a wide array of serious diseases by addressing their underlying causes. Editas Medicine has established a strong intellectual property portfolio, which includes numerous patents related to foundational genome editing technologies and advancements that facilitate the translation of research into viable human therapeutics. The company's mission is to pioneer transformative genomic medicines that can significantly improve patient outcomes across various genetic disorders.
Avitide
Series C in 2015
Avitide, Inc. is a company that specializes in the discovery, manufacturing, and supply of molecule-specific affinity purification solutions tailored for the biopharmaceutical industry. Founded in 2012 and based in Lebanon, New Hampshire, Avitide focuses on enhancing the purification of therapeutic proteins through its innovative affinity separation technology. This technology helps clients streamline bioprocess development timelines, mitigate program risks, and lower manufacturing costs while ensuring scalability for commercial applications. The company develops customized solutions for a variety of life-saving therapeutics, including enzymes, multi-specific antibodies, gene therapies, and vaccines. By utilizing rapid development techniques for chromatography resins, Avitide aims to improve drug safety and establish bio-similarity in its offerings.
Metacrine
Series A in 2015
Metacrine, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in San Diego, California, dedicated to developing innovative therapies for liver and gastrointestinal diseases. The company is advancing its lead programs, which target the farnesoid X receptor (FXR), a key drug target in these conditions. Currently, MET409 is undergoing a Phase Ib proof-of-concept clinical trial for patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, while MET642 is in a Phase 1 clinical trial for the same patient population. In addition to its FXR-focused programs, Metacrine is exploring a pipeline of novel drug candidates through its internal research and development capabilities. The company also collaborates with Novo Nordisk A/S to further research related to fibroblast growth factor 1. Metacrine was founded in 2014 and is committed to addressing unmet medical needs in liver and gastrointestinal health.
Pulmatrix
Post in 2015
Pulmatrix, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Lexington, Massachusetts, focused on developing innovative inhaled therapies for serious pulmonary diseases. Utilizing its proprietary iSPERSE technology, which stands for inhaled Small Particles Easily Respirable and Emitted, Pulmatrix aims to enhance the delivery of therapeutic agents directly to the lungs while minimizing systemic side effects. The company's product pipeline includes Pulmazole, an inhaled anti-fungal targeting allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, and PUR1800, a narrow spectrum kinase inhibitor designed for obstructive lung diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Established in 2003, Pulmatrix collaborates with various partners, including RespiVert Ltd. and Cipla Technologies LLC, to advance its drug candidates and address significant unmet medical needs in respiratory care.
XTuit Pharmaceuticals
Series A in 2015
XTuit Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing therapeutics that target the disease-promoting microenvironment associated with fibrotic diseases and cancer. Established in 2011 and based in Waltham, Massachusetts, the company is engaged in creating pharmaceutical preparations aimed at diagnosing and treating oncological, tumor, and inflammatory diseases. XTuit Pharmaceuticals employs novel strategies to enhance cancer therapy by specifically addressing the tumor microenvironment. Its drug development pipeline includes innovative approaches that inhibit extracellular matrix synthesis and stabilize activated stromal cells, utilizing a clinical biomarker platform for effective treatment outcomes.
Kindex
Series A in 2015
KinDex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biotechnology company dedicated to discovering and developing novel therapeutics for patients suffering from metabolic disorders, including diabetes and obesity. Founded in 2009 and based in Seattle, Washington, the company focuses on compounds that modulate key regulatory networks associated with these conditions. Its lead product, KDT501, is derived from hop extracts and has shown promise in normalizing glucose metabolism and body weight in rodent models. In addition to improving glucose homeostasis, KDT501 may also influence cholesterol and triglyceride levels, reduce body weight gain, and mitigate inflammation linked to metabolic dysfunction. KinDex Pharmaceuticals leverages the Bitter Taste Receptors (TAS2Rs) to target inflammatory and metabolic pathways, aiming to enhance women's health and address chronic diseases.
Syros Pharmaceuticals
Series B in 2014
Syros Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, that specializes in developing innovative treatments for cancer and monogenic diseases through gene control medicines. The company is advancing its lead product candidates, including SY-1425, a selective retinoic acid receptor alpha agonist currently in Phase II clinical trials for specific patient populations with acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome, and SY-5609, a cyclin-dependent kinase 7 inhibitor under investigation in a Phase I clinical trial for advanced solid tumors. Syros is also engaged in collaborative research, including a partnership with Incyte Corporation aimed at identifying therapeutic targets for myeloproliferative neoplasms and a licensing agreement with TMRC Co. Ltd. for the development of tamibarotene. With a focus on mapping gene regulatory circuits, Syros leverages its proprietary platform and expertise to address significant unmet medical needs in oncology. Founded in 2011, the company aims to establish new standards of care for patients with hematologic malignancies.
Selecta Biosciences
Private Equity Round in 2014
Selecta Biosciences, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing nanoparticle immunomodulatory drugs for the treatment and prevention of human diseases. The company's proprietary platform utilizes advances in immunobiology and nanotechnology to create targeted immunomodulatory nanoparticles. Selecta's lead product, SEL-212, has successfully completed Phase II clinical trials for chronic refractory gout. Additionally, the company is advancing gene therapy candidates in preclinical development for rare metabolic disorders, including SEL-302 for methylmalonic acidemia and SEL-313 for ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Watertown, Massachusetts, Selecta Biosciences has established collaborations with various organizations, including Spark Therapeutics and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, to enhance its research and development capabilities.
Visterra
Series B in 2014
Visterra, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing precision antibody-based treatments for difficult-to-treat diseases, particularly infectious diseases. Utilizing its Hierotope platform, Visterra designs monoclonal antibodies such as VIS410, aimed at treating hospitalized patients with influenza A, and VIS513 for Dengue fever. The company is also advancing VIS705, an antibody-drug conjugate for Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections, and VIS649, which targets Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy (IgAN). Founded in 2007 and based in Waltham, Massachusetts, Visterra was previously known as Parasol Therapeutics, Inc. The company operates as a subsidiary of Otsuka America, Inc. and emphasizes innovative therapeutic solutions to address significant unmet medical needs.
Faraday Pharmaceuticals
Series A in 2014
Faraday Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in Seattle, Washington, that focuses on developing innovative therapies to treat ischemia-reperfusion injury, particularly following ST elevation myocardial infarction. Founded in 2014, the company has in-licensed proprietary liquid formulations of reduced nonmetal gaseous elements, which were developed in the laboratory of Dr. Mark Roth at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center. Faraday's therapeutics aim to utilize specific reduced forms of elements to enhance patient outcomes, providing medical practitioners with effective treatment options for ischemia-reperfusion injury and other critical care conditions.
Navitor Pharmaceuticals
Series A in 2014
Navitor Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing small molecule drugs that target mTORC1, a key regulator of cellular metabolism and renewal, to treat age-related diseases. Utilizing a proprietary platform, Navitor's therapies can selectively inhibit or activate mTORC1, which plays a crucial role in cellular processes. One of its notable products, NV-5138, is an orally bioavailable small molecule designed to activate mTORC1, particularly addressing its suppression in the brain associated with depression. Additionally, the company's N-Valog program focuses on selective inhibition of mTORC1 for chronic kidney disease, with implications for other age-related conditions. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Navitor Pharmaceuticals aims to unlock the therapeutic potential of the mTOR pathway by modulating nutrient-sensing proteins, thereby addressing various metabolic, neurodegenerative, autoimmune, and musculoskeletal diseases.
Kala Pharmaceuticals
Series B in 2014
Kala Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing and commercializing innovative therapies for eye diseases using its proprietary Mucus Penetrating Particles (MPP) technology. This technology enhances drug distribution and pharmacokinetics by coating mucosal surfaces with biocompatible, drug-loaded particles, allowing for improved local drug concentrations while minimizing systemic exposure. Kala's lead product candidate, KPI-121 0.25%, has completed two Phase III clinical trials aimed at providing temporary relief for dry eye disease. Additionally, INVELTYS has also completed two Phase III trials for managing inflammation and pain after ocular surgery. The company is advancing KPI-285, a receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, in preclinical studies targeting retinal diseases. Established in 2009 and headquartered in Watertown, Massachusetts, Kala Pharmaceuticals continues to explore diverse product opportunities while focusing on internal development and research collaborations to address significant clinical needs.
Visterra
Series A in 2013
Visterra, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing precision antibody-based treatments for difficult-to-treat diseases, particularly infectious diseases. Utilizing its Hierotope platform, Visterra designs monoclonal antibodies such as VIS410, aimed at treating hospitalized patients with influenza A, and VIS513 for Dengue fever. The company is also advancing VIS705, an antibody-drug conjugate for Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections, and VIS649, which targets Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy (IgAN). Founded in 2007 and based in Waltham, Massachusetts, Visterra was previously known as Parasol Therapeutics, Inc. The company operates as a subsidiary of Otsuka America, Inc. and emphasizes innovative therapeutic solutions to address significant unmet medical needs.
Kala Pharmaceuticals
Series A in 2013
Kala Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing and commercializing innovative therapies for eye diseases using its proprietary Mucus Penetrating Particles (MPP) technology. This technology enhances drug distribution and pharmacokinetics by coating mucosal surfaces with biocompatible, drug-loaded particles, allowing for improved local drug concentrations while minimizing systemic exposure. Kala's lead product candidate, KPI-121 0.25%, has completed two Phase III clinical trials aimed at providing temporary relief for dry eye disease. Additionally, INVELTYS has also completed two Phase III trials for managing inflammation and pain after ocular surgery. The company is advancing KPI-285, a receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, in preclinical studies targeting retinal diseases. Established in 2009 and headquartered in Watertown, Massachusetts, Kala Pharmaceuticals continues to explore diverse product opportunities while focusing on internal development and research collaborations to address significant clinical needs.
Cerulean Pharma
Private Equity Round in 2012
Cerulean Pharma Inc. is a privately-held biopharmaceutical company specializing in the development of innovative nanotechnology-based therapeutics aimed at treating oncology, cardiovascular, autoimmune, and inflammatory diseases. The company focuses on nanoparticle-drug conjugates that target tumors, reduce toxicity, and facilitate therapeutic combinations. Among its notable products is Ovaprene, a contraceptive designed to offer hormone-free protection for multiple weeks. Cerulean has established a distinguished management team and advisory board, drawing from extensive experience in product development and scientific innovation from renowned institutions and companies in the biopharmaceutical sector.
Visterra
Series A in 2012
Visterra, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing precision antibody-based treatments for difficult-to-treat diseases, particularly infectious diseases. Utilizing its Hierotope platform, Visterra designs monoclonal antibodies such as VIS410, aimed at treating hospitalized patients with influenza A, and VIS513 for Dengue fever. The company is also advancing VIS705, an antibody-drug conjugate for Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections, and VIS649, which targets Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy (IgAN). Founded in 2007 and based in Waltham, Massachusetts, Visterra was previously known as Parasol Therapeutics, Inc. The company operates as a subsidiary of Otsuka America, Inc. and emphasizes innovative therapeutic solutions to address significant unmet medical needs.
Promedior
Series D in 2012
Promedior, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Lexington, Massachusetts, focused on developing therapeutics for rare fibrotic and inflammatory diseases. The company’s primary targets include conditions such as myelofibrosis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. Promedior's drug portfolio features PRM-151, a recombinant form of human pentaxin-2 protein, and PRM-167, a variant designed for intravitreal delivery. These therapeutics are aimed at regulating monocyte-derived cell populations, which are critical in fibrotic, inflammatory, and autoimmune diseases. By specifically addressing these cells at injury sites, Promedior seeks to promote tissue healing and minimize systemic side effects commonly associated with existing therapies. The company was incorporated in 2006 and was previously known as Fibrotix, Inc.
Genocea Biosciences
Series C in 2012
Genocea Biosciences is a biopharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focused on the discovery and development of innovative cancer immunotherapies and vaccines. Utilizing its proprietary ATLAS platform, the company profiles patients' CD4+ and CD8+ T cell immune responses to identify potential antigens in tumors. Genocea is advancing several immuno-oncology programs, including GEN-009, an adjuvanted neoantigen peptide vaccine currently in phase I/IIa clinical trials, and GEN-011, a neoantigen adoptive T cell therapy. Additionally, the company has developed GEN-003, an immunotherapy aimed at treating genital herpes, and is working on personalized cancer vaccines through its pre-clinical immuno-oncology program. Established in 2006, Genocea aims to address significant unmet medical needs with its targeted therapeutic approaches.
Vets First Choice
Venture Round in 2012
Vets First Choice provides veterinary practices with an online pharmacy and home delivery services. It partners with veterinarians to create insight into gaps in patient care and offer professionalized pro-active prescription management to drive client engagement and improve compliance. The company was founded by Ben Shaw in 2010 and is based in Portland, Maine.
Kala Pharmaceuticals
Private Equity Round in 2012
Kala Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing and commercializing innovative therapies for eye diseases using its proprietary Mucus Penetrating Particles (MPP) technology. This technology enhances drug distribution and pharmacokinetics by coating mucosal surfaces with biocompatible, drug-loaded particles, allowing for improved local drug concentrations while minimizing systemic exposure. Kala's lead product candidate, KPI-121 0.25%, has completed two Phase III clinical trials aimed at providing temporary relief for dry eye disease. Additionally, INVELTYS has also completed two Phase III trials for managing inflammation and pain after ocular surgery. The company is advancing KPI-285, a receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, in preclinical studies targeting retinal diseases. Established in 2009 and headquartered in Watertown, Massachusetts, Kala Pharmaceuticals continues to explore diverse product opportunities while focusing on internal development and research collaborations to address significant clinical needs.
Promedior
Series D in 2012
Promedior, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Lexington, Massachusetts, focused on developing therapeutics for rare fibrotic and inflammatory diseases. The company’s primary targets include conditions such as myelofibrosis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. Promedior's drug portfolio features PRM-151, a recombinant form of human pentaxin-2 protein, and PRM-167, a variant designed for intravitreal delivery. These therapeutics are aimed at regulating monocyte-derived cell populations, which are critical in fibrotic, inflammatory, and autoimmune diseases. By specifically addressing these cells at injury sites, Promedior seeks to promote tissue healing and minimize systemic side effects commonly associated with existing therapies. The company was incorporated in 2006 and was previously known as Fibrotix, Inc.
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